Group asking for fuel, water in rural Sask. accused of theft

Calls about suspicious people going to rural properties asking for fuel, oil and water have led to charges against three people.

The reports came in to RCMP in the Battlefords, Cut Knife and Wilkie areas on July 2.

Two suspects involved in the suspicious acts were reportedly seen leaving on an ATV that was reported stolen that day from Unity.

RCMP said photographs were taken of the suspects and posted to social media.

At another point, the suspects were observed pulling a horse trailer in an older model pickup truck. The horse trailer was later recovered by Battlefords RCMP and confirmed to be stolen near Kitscoty, Alta.

Later that evening, Cut Knife RCMP arrested a man and woman in the RM of Hillsdale after they were found in possession of a stolen vehicle.

It was determined the two people in custody were the same people who had been going to the rural properties.

As a result of these investigations, and with help from the public, Wilkie RCMP charged three people.

Brian Walter Barber, 39, from Lloydminster faces two counts of possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

RCMP have issued an arrest warrant for Barber. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to contact their local RCMP Detachment or Police Service.

Robin Alexander Durant, 39, from Waskatenau, Alta., was charged with possessing property obtained by crime over $5,000 and breaching a court order. He remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 13 in North Battleford.

Elaine Gayle Pidruchney, 50, from Vermillion, Alta., faces the same charges, along with possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000. Pidruchney will make her next court appearance on July 17 in Unity.

Anyone with information about these or any other crimes is asked to please call the Unity RCMP at 306-228-6300, the Wilkie RCMP at 306-843-3480 or the Macklin RCMP at 306-753-2171.

Anonymous tips can be made by calling Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers with information at 1-800-222-8477 or *8477 on the SaskTel Mobility Network.